Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the lampstand and the table with its consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, which had the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. This ark contained the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. Above the ark were the cherubim of the Glory, overshadowing the atonement cover. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now. When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly into the outer room to carry on their ministry. But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still functioning. This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings—external regulations applying until the time of the new order. But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.

It is said that there is no quenching of thirst in hell but an eternal damnation for all who chose to not follow God.

However, God made a way out of his original pact with Adam and Eve when they sinned. This was a transactional forgiveness of sorts, a way to meet God and connect with him in part, a quenching of our thirst for relationship with God. A person would offer their sacrifice and their sins would be forgiven. It was supposed to encourage a heart change in the people of God, but by and large it did not.

It was also a precursor to the ultimate solution for the problem of sin — Jesus Christ! Jesus went through all of the challenges we face and was perfect. This made him the perfect sacrifice for our sins and the perfect advocate for us to God the Father.

As this passage alludes to, Jesus qualified for the priesthood through a different means, and entered into a different tabernacle. This new tabernacle was the fortress of God the Father — heaven. The Jewish Temple was but a mere, pale reflection of the Tabernacle of Heaven. In heaven, there are no curtains that separate God from everybody else. Instead, he is the source of their life and light in life.

The model spiritual warrior, Jesus, paid the price by his blood, even by his life! Who better to give my allegiance too?

Jesus, thank you for all that you did to bring me home to a relationship with God. You gave me a place to belong to, a title and citizenship that is above all others. I want to imitate you, to be like you, to think like you, and to act like you.